It's up to the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District to attempt to fill its vacant seat again, after the Marin County Board of Supervisors declined to do it for them Tuesday.

Earlier this month, sanitary district directors, split 2-2 over who to appointment to fill the vacancy, asked the supervisors to name someone to the post, left vacant by the resignation of longtime director Larry Loder.

District director Megan Clark said the Las Gallinas board tried, but was unable to reach an agreement.

"There were nine applicants and we worked to get that down to five and then from that we voted again and there were two top contenders," Clark said.

The term for the open seat ends in November.

Supervisor Susan Adams said the board opted Tuesday to stay out of the district's appointment process.

"I don't believe the Board of Supervisors is the best body to make the decision," Adams said. "Let the voters decide," she added, despite the cost. "I suggest they try one more time to make a decision."

Adams noted the service of Loder, former county assistant public works chief, will be "greatly missed."

If the sanitary board is unable to make a decision, a mail-in ballot allowing voters to decide would cost approximately $80,000 to $100,000, according to Registrar of Voters Elaine Ginnold. An election involving polling places would cost about $140,000.

Clark said she respects the supervisors' decision and hopes the sanitary district can come to an agreement.